Default passwords Published Oct. 19, 2010 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The use of default passwords within databases and hardware devices continues to be a serious security issue plaguing systems' operating environments. Default passwords are often installed when a database or a hardware device (routers, wireless access points/routers, etc) is deployed or being installed. Passwords on applications and devices, and administrator passwords, are privileged accounts, meaning they have more permissions and rights than the average end user. For an adversary, obtaining these default passwords is not hard. If you know the make and model of the device it is only a quick search away on your favorite search engine. Remember, securing your database or hardware device is the responsibility of the network administrator for the AF Global Information Grid and the responsibility for changing default passwords at home is yours!